AUSFORMING OF A BETA-CU ZN-24 AL-9 SHAPE-MEMORY ALLOY

A Cu-Zn-Al alloy (M(s) = -12 degrees C) was deformed by 10 to 90 % in the temperature range of the stable, homogeneous beta-phase (ausformin g treatment (AFT) at similar to 800 degrees C). The effect of this AFT on microstructure and strength of austenite as well as on the complet e course of the martensitic transformation was analysed. Work hardenin g of the austenite beta leads to considerable lowering of the temperat ure range of the martensitic transformation cycle. The transformation is complete at all amounts of deformation. The results are useful for the understanding of basic aspects of martensitic transformation and t he development of a superelastic alloy.